Obituary: Dupree Branch

Nov. 2, 1924 - May 9, 2008

Nov. 2, 1924 - May 9, 2008

May 15, 2008

SOUTH BEND - Dupree Branch, 83, departed his earthly life on Friday, May 9, in his South Bend residence after a long illness, with his beloved wife Velma at his side. Dupree, beloved son of the late Samuel Branch and Anna Johnson, was born November 2, 1924, in Demopolis, Alabama. He was one of 13 siblings, 12 preceding him in death. On June 9, 1988, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he married Velma M. Minott. Dupree attended school in Brighton, Alabama, and was later drafted into the U.S. Army. In 1967 he retired after 24 years of service. He resided in the State of Connecticut, living in Stamford and Bridgeport. He was employed at Arnold's Bakery in Greenwich, Connecticut. Retiring after 23 years, Dupree moved with his wife, Velma, to South Bend, IN, in 1992, where he greatly enjoyed his retirement. Dupree was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Survivors left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Velma M. Branch; a sister, Georgia Louis in Bridgeport, CO; five children, Marilyn Branch, Long Island, NY, Willard (Tamara) Branch of Los Angeles, CA, Dupree Jr. of Ft. Collins, CO, Terry (Tom) Prax of Chisago, MN, and Leonard Branch of New Haven, CO; three stepchildren, Robert Epps of New Haven, CO, Clifford C. Brooks, Charlene R. Jackson of South Bend; two sisters-in-law, Willia M. Sanchez and Louise Woodard-Stoner, South Bend; a brother-in-law, Nathaniel Rattler of Batesville, AR; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of other loving relatives and friends; and his faithful caregivers, Mary P. Austin, Melissa McKnight and Tasha Smith. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in Alford's Mortuary, located at 1222 Napier Street, South Bend. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. in the chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where bereavement messages may be sent to alfordsmortuary@comcast.net, c/o the Branch family.